About this topic
An adverse drug reaction is effects of a drug that may not be wanted and may be harmful. It may be a new problem or a known side effect of the drug. You may have a reaction because of how your body handles the drug you are taking. ‚
Any drug can cause a reaction. You may have a problem with a drug that your doctor orders or with a drug that you buy over the counter. A drug reaction can happen at any time during treatment. A drug allergy is one kind of adverse drug reaction. A drug allergy is an overreaction of your immune system to the drug. ‚
An adverse reaction may happen right away after you take a dose or after you have been taking the drug for a long time. It can even happen after you stop taking the drug. The reaction can be mild or more serious. A mild reaction may cause an upset stomach. A very bad reaction may damage your liver or kidneys. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Call your doctor if you think you are having an adverse drug reaction.
If you are having trouble breathing or you have swelling of your tongue or face, call the Emergency Room right away. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to treat the signs caused by the adverse drug reaction. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take drugs only when your doctor tells you to do so.
- Take drugs only when needed.
- Carefully read the label on the drug. Take as directed on the label. Make sure you understand the directions.
- Make sure you take the right dose of a drug. Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup from your pharmacist.
- If you are not sure how much drug to take, do not guess. Ask your pharmacist or doctor how much to take.
- Never take someone elses drug.
- Keep track of the time when you take a drug. Make sure you know when the last dose was taken.
- Put the cap back on all drugs. Store them out of reach of children and pets.
- Use only one pharmacy for all your drugs.
- If you have a very bad allergy, wear a medical allergy ID at all times.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills
- Headaches, dizziness, drowsiness
- Upset stomach, throwing up, loose or hard stools
- Rash, itching
- Joint pain
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Swelling, especially of the lips or eyes
Helpful tips
Anytime you are to take a new drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist these questions: ‚
- How will this drug help?
- How much drug do I take?
- How often will I take this drug?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- How long will I be taking this drug?
- Are there special directions for taking this drug?
- Could certain foods or alcohol cause a problem with this drug?
- Are there side effects from this drug?
- What should I do if I have side effects?
Tell your doctor about: ‚
- All of the drugs you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins.
- Any problems you have had with any drugs in the past.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you questions to ask before I take a new drug.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing, upset stomach, rash, or joint pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/medications-and-drug-allergic-reactions.aspx ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=20&cont=524 ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/drugs-procedures-devices/prescription-medicines/drug-reactions.html ‚
U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm096391.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚